So I am confused on counterspelling:
To complete the action, you must then cast an appropriate spell. As a general rule, a spell can only counter itself. If you are able to cast the same spell and you have it prepared (or have a slot of the appropriate level available), you cast it, creating a counterspell effect. If the target is within range, both spells automatically negate each other with no other results.
Do you need the exact spell to counterspell, or could you burn a spell of equivalent level to counterspell?
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Counterspells
It is possible to cast any spell as a counterspell. By doing so, you are using the spell's energy to disrupt the casting of the same spell by another character. Counterspelling works even if one spell is divine and the other arcane.
How Counterspells Work: To use a counterspell, you must select an opponent as the target of the counterspell. You do this by choosing to ready an action. In doing so, you elect to wait to complete your action until your opponent tries to cast a spell. You may still move at your normal speed, since ready is a standard action.
If the target of your counterspell tries to cast a spell, make a Spellcraft check (DC 15 + the spell's level). This check is a free action. If the check succeeds, you correctly identify the opponent's spell and can attempt to counter it. If the check fails, you can't do either of these things.
To complete the action, you must then cast an appropriate spell. As a general rule, a spell can only counter itself. If you are able to cast the same spell and you have it prepared (or have a slot of the appropriate level available), you cast it, creating a counterspell effect. If the target is within range, both spells automatically negate each other with no other results.
Counterspelling Metamagic Spells: Metamagic feats are not taken into account when determining whether a spell can be countered.
Specific Exceptions: Some spells can counter other specific spells, often those with diametrically opposed effects.
Dispel Magic as a Counterspell: You can usually use dispel magic to counterspell another spell being cast without needing to identify the spell being cast. Dispel magic doesn't always work as a counterspell (see the spell description).
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Improved Counterspell
You are skilled at countering the spells of others using similar spells.
Benefit: When counterspelling, you may use a spell of the same school that is one or more spell levels higher than the target spell.
Normal: Without this feat, you may counter a spell only with the same spell or with a spell specifically designated as countering the target spell.
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Some spells have opposing spells however.
Darkness
School evocation [darkness]; Level bard 2, cleric 2, sorcerer/wizard 2
Casting Time 1 standard action
Components V, M/DF (bat fur and a piece of coal)
Range touch
Target object touched
Duration 1 min./level (D)
Saving Throw none; Spell Resistance no
This spell causes an object to radiate darkness out to a 20-foot radius. This darkness causes the illumination level in the area to drop one step, from bright light to normal light, from normal light to dim light, or from dim light to darkness. This spell has no effect in an area that is already dark. Creatures with light vulnerability or sensitivity take no penalties in normal light. All creatures gain concealment (20% miss chance) in dim light. All creatures gain total concealment (50% miss chance) in darkness. Creatures with darkvision can see in an area of dim light or darkness without penalty. Nonmagical sources of light, such as torches and lanterns, do not increase the light level in an area of darkness. Magical light sources only increase the light level in an area if they are of a higher spell level than darkness.
If darkness is cast on a small object that is then placed inside or under a lightproof covering, the spell's effect is blocked until the covering is removed.
This spell does not stack with itself. Darkness can be used to counter or dispel any light spell of equal or lower spell level.
it's this part that's confusing:
(or have a slot of the appropriate level available)
That's to cover spontaneous casters counterspelling.
But what about prepared casters? I don't see anything that says it has to be a spontaneous caster.
This may be a silly question, but can you counterspell say a Darkness spell with an Aasimar's Daylight spell-like ability?
That's to cover spontaneous casters counterspelling.But what about prepared casters? I don't see anything that says it has to be a spontaneous caster.
In order to counterspell a spell you must have the correct spell availible.
Prepared casters must have prepared the spell, and still have it availible.
Spontaneous casters don't prepare spells daily. As long as they have slot available, and they know the correct spell they can cast the spell that is needed. That is that "or have a slot of the appropriate level available" covers.
This may be a silly question, but can you counterspell say a Darkness spell with an Aasimar's Daylight spell-like ability?
No. SLA's can not be used to counterspell.
Spell-Like Abilities (Sp): Spell-like abilities, as the name implies, are magical abilities that are very much like spells. Spell-like abilities are subject to spell resistance and dispel magic. They do not function in areas where magic is suppressed or negated (such as an antimagic field). Spell-like abilities can be dispelled but they cannot be counterspelled or used to counterspell.
One silly question:
With Improved Counterspell I can counter a spell of the same school. But Does it have to be one level above the countered spell or it can be the same level and above?
Also (on another note) with Counterspelling Mastery, can you counter with Dispel Magic?
With Improved Counterspell I can counter a spell of the same school. But Does it have to be one level above the countered spell or it can be the same level and above?
Improved Counterspell: "When counterspelling, you may use a spell of the same school that is one or more spell levels higher than the target spell."
If evil wizard is about to cast Fireball (Level 3), you can either use Fireball like normal, or with the feat, use any Evocation spell of level 4 or higher. Ice Storm works (level 4) but Lightning Bolt (level 3) does not.
Also (on another note) with Counterspelling Mastery, can you counter with Dispel Magic?
Counterspell Mastery (Su): "At 6th level, you gain Improved Counterspell as a bonus feat. You may attempt to counterspell an opponent's spell once per day as an immediate action (instead of a readied action). You must use a spell at least one level higher than the spell being countered to use this ability."
You can use Dispel Magic normally, but if you want to use it to counterspell as an immediate action using that ability, then Dispel Magic must be at least one level higher than the spell being countered. So you could use Dispel Magic (Abjuration, 3rd level) to immediately counter Daze Monster (Enchantment, 2nd level) but not Explosive Runes (Abjuration, 3rd level). Using Dispel Magic this way will still involve a caster level check.
Improved Counterspell - must be one level (or more above)
With Counterspell Mastery you can use Dispel Magic, but you have to roll a caster level check.
Regarding metamagiced spells to be counterspelled. Heightened Spell is different than the other metamagics. If I am casting a fireball hieghtened to 5th level, can it be counterspelled with a 3rd level fireball?